LEON REMNANT: REDEMPTION, RESILIENCE AND THE RETURN HOME
Designed by Chiagozie Mbuba Tochukwu
Leon Remnant is back. Fifteen years away from home, navigating the music scene in the United States, and countless lessons learned, he returns with a sound that is raw, inspirational, and unmistakably his. From soccer fields in Ondo State to studios across continents, Leon opens up about his journey, his struggles, and his highly anticipated EP, Redemption.
Let us start from the beginning. Who was Leon Remnant before the music, away from the fame and the stage?
Leon: I am a sports fan. I used to play soccer from high school through college in Nigeria. I represented Ondo State and also played for my college team. Initially, I wanted to become a soccer player, but life changed and music took over.
When did music stop being fun and start becoming your purpose?
Leon: My music journey started when Ruggedman and Eedris Abdulkareem were dominating the rap scene. I gained interest from listening to them and mimicking their songs. When I got to Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo State, I formed a group called J'slogs with another artist, just the two of us. But we were part of a larger community of artists who all stuck together and collaborated. There was West Tribe with 2 artists, Top Cloud with 2 artists as well, and we all worked closely together. That's when music really became more than just a hobby for me.
In an industry where standing out requires strategy, what early decision shifted your career?
Leon: I had to learn the process because I did not want to follow trends. I wanted to create a sound that people would immediately recognize as mine. I started as a secular artist, but over time, I gravitated toward inspirational music. I do not make songs for clubs or trends. I make music based on how I feel, and my fans love that authenticity.
Your album Faith Over Fear resonated deeply. Was the title personal to you? Did you doubt yourself during the process?
Leon: Faith Over Fear was my first project and it came during the pandemic. Everyone was locked down, and I saw it as an opportunity to focus. Living in the United States, the hustle is constant, so I could not be a full-time artist yet. During lockdown, I locked in. Most of the project was done on Zoom with producers and engineers in Nigeria.
After that release, I took a break from putting out music to work on my sound and myself. Now, I feel ready to come back.
You have worked with Mike Abdul, Naomi Mac and the Rooftop MCs. Which collaboration challenged you the most creatively?
Leon:
My first collaboration was with Rooftop MCs and Sokleva, which pushed me because they were heavyweight rappers. It made me step up my game.
Mike Abdul was also challenging because he is very selective. My team reached out to him, he sent me his draft verses unmixed after listening to my previous records. I recorded my two verses and sent it to the engineer first. He listened, liked it, and added his own. That collaboration built a bond. Infact his engineer eventually ended up been the engineer that mixed and mastered my whole album Faith over Fear. He also produced Like you, we move and fall on me off the album. I just sent my verse, and they added theirs. The engineer's name is Tyanx. He scores most of the top movies in Nigeria right now. He’s worked with big names like Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo, creating the soundtracks for their films. He's scored some of the most popular movies in cinemas; films like Lisabi, Seven Doors, Gangs of Lagos, Jagun Jagun, and Battle on Buka Street, just to name a few.
If someone is hearing your music for the first time, what track should they start with?
Leon: Pressure, my last single with Sossick. That song is very personal. Back when Dagrin released the CEO album with Sossick, it inspired me. I always wanted to work with Sossick. Last year, I shared my vision with him about creating an album together, and we decided to release Pressure first. People loved it, and I recommend it because it represents both the journey and what I aim to achieve musically.
Your upcoming EP is ready. How would you describe the story, themes and vibe to someone who has not heard it?
Leon: People say I have changed my style, and that is because I can rap gospel in a way that surprises you. You might think it is secular until you listen closely.
The EP has a street gospel vibe. People keep asking if I am a secular or gospel artist, All I will say is enjoy the ART. I’m an artist and I’m also a believer of Faith in a Christ. I could speak about my journey of faith in a song and next songs could be about my life experiences with is totally not related to my faiths or beliefs. I make musics based on my emotions and feelings. I called it pure arts. I let everything out when I hear the instrumental.
Redemption is about showing people the real me, sharing my story and growth, and giving listeners a chance to experience my evolution.
You are building your career in the United States, but Nigeria is still home. Are there plans to return?
Leon: Yes. I was in Nigeria last year after being away for eleven years. I have lived in the United States for fifteen years. I plan to return next year for media runs and to promote my EP and album.
What would that homecoming look like? Shows, collaborations or something bigger?
Leon: I am planning a big project with Sossick. We intend to create fifteen to twenty songs, and once they are ready, we will decide which artists fit best to contribute. I want to launch the album in Nigeria with a concert because it is a comeback, and I want people to connect with my music.
You talk a lot about inspiring youth. Can you describe a moment when you realized your music was making an impact?
Leon: In the United States, I first tried to sound like the mainstream artists, but I realized that being true to myself worked better. My style is inspirational, and it started resonating with listeners who appreciate authenticity. People might judge me by appearance at first, but once they hear the music, they understand the message.
What has been your toughest moment in this journey?
Leon: One of my biggest struggles has been working with people who promised to help push my projects forward but didn't deliver on those promises. The work they put in wasn't up to the standard we'd agreed upon, and it didn't meet my expectations. It was really discouraging, and there were moments I felt like giving up. But encouragement from the right people kept me going. Then I connected with Solid Guy Magazine, and I knew I was finally in safe hands with people who genuinely cared and followed through.
When things do not go as planned, how do you reset mentally and spiritually?
Leon: I have had records that did not perform as I expected. Even the song with Mike Abdul had strong media runs, but being away from Nigeria affected the impact because I could not perform or promote.
Now, my focus is on building an organic fanbase, even if it is only one hundred people. I want people who truly understand and connect with my music, not just numbers or charts.
Who is on your dream collaboration list?
Leon: In gospel, Lecrae.
Outside of that, J Cole and Kanye West.
In Nigeria, Brymo, Asa, Bnxn and Vector.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Leon: Work harder and be consistent.
Away from the music and persona, who is Leon Remnant when no one is watching?
Leon: I am family oriented and a sports lover. I am someone who values personal growth and staying true to myself.
Before we wrap up, what can fans expect from you in this new chapter?
Leon: Fans should expect authenticity, growth and evolution. This chapter is about reconnecting with my roots, sharing my journey, and making music that resonates deeply. Every song I release will have purpose, and I want to build a community that understands and feels my story. It is not about hype or charts, but about making a lasting impact and showing the real Leon Remnant.
After sharing his journey, challenges, and vision, Leon Remnant leaves no doubt: this is just the beginning. Redemption is more than music.. it is his story, his growth, and his invitation for listeners to experience him fully. Remember to Stay Solid!
Ayo Fabiyi for Solid Guy Magazine.
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